Senior Buyer – Public Procurement (Brussels, Hybrid) - Freelance - #48765

Job description

Context & mission

On behalf of a leading Belgian public-sector organisation, FuturWork is looking for a Senior Buyer to take full ownership of public procurement activities and ensure that day-to-day purchasing runs smoothly, in line with administrative and budgetary procedures. This is a 12-month hybrid assignment based in Brussels, starting as soon as possible.

You are the reference point for the proper organisation and execution of public contracts — from defining needs through to award, renewal and supplier performance.

What a typical week looks like

• You oversee the terms and deadlines of major contracts and supplier agreements, and negotiate with external parties with integrity.

• You analyse risks and opportunities on purchase requests, advise internal clients and propose concrete solutions.

• You monitor supplier performance against KPIs and turn the findings into action plans to strengthen relationships and service quality.

• You translate functional requirements into clear, compliant tender specifications, in close cooperation with internal clients and suppliers.

• You manage contract requests end to end — planning, validation, delivery, contingency plans and documentation to safeguard business continuity.

• You stay on top of changes in procurement legislation and proactively refresh the supplier portfolio.

Why this assignment is attractive

• A central, high-visibility role where your procurement expertise directly shapes how the organisation buys.

• Genuine autonomy and ownership over strategic contracts, with room to improve specifications and share best practice across the team.

• A stable 12-month engagement with a hybrid setup in the heart of Brussels.

Requirements

1) At least 6 years' experience in public procurement, with proven expertise in at least two of: public procurement of supplies and services, supplier negotiations, and the drafting, finalisation and implementation of purchase contracts | 2) Solid, hands-on knowledge of public procurement law and the full contract lifecycle (needs definition, specifications, award, execution, renewal) | 3) Strong command of risk analysis, KPI-based supplier performance monitoring and tender specification drafting | 4) Languages: active knowledge of French or Dutch is required; English is a plus | 5) Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to negotiate and persuade diplomatically | 6) Customer-focused, result-oriented and collaborative, able to recognise team members' strengths and encourage initiative